Holy Baptism is a precious gift from God and a Sacrament in the Lutheran Church.
Our Catechism teaches: ‘Our Lord Jesus Christ says (Matthew 28): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.’ As children are part of ‘all nations’ we see baptism for children as well as adults.
Our Catechism also teaches: ‘Baptism is not water only, but it is the water used together with God’s Word and by His command… In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what He has promised.’ Baptism is the rite carried out with water and the Word of God by which God claims us as His children, washing us clean of our sin and giving us His Holy Spirit. When a person is baptised Christians believe they are ‘united with Christ’ and ‘born again’ to a new life (John 3:5; Romans 6:3-5; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 3:21).
If you are interested in being baptised or getting your child baptised, that is wonderful! Baptism is the beginning of a journey with Jesus where He calls us to follow Him. A life following Jesus means a life with Jesus as our constant companion and a life where we worship regularly and grow in our faith. This means that almost always a Baptism is conducted as part of our Worship Service, and those baptised are members of Christ’s Church (and are normally seen as members of our Congregation). For this reason, parents presenting children for baptism are asked to explore their own faith prior to baptism, and the promises made in the Baptismal rite.
Please contact Pastor, or speak with Pastor after our regular worship Service, to find out more about baptism, to inquire about possible dates of a baptism, and to arrange times to meet with Pastor. Pastor (usually together with a member of our Congregation) will meet with you to discuss further the above.
